Giggs sees similarities between van Gaal and former United boss - aura, mentality and decision-making

It was always going take a charismatic manager to fill Sir Alex Ferguson's shoes and, in Louis van Gaal, Ryan Giggs believes they have found the right man.

The Manchester United assistant manager feels that van Gaal oozes the same aura that Fergie carried in abundance during his highly successful time at Old Trafford.

Giggs was one of the many enchanted by the impact the Dutchman has made in just one week in the job, describing his new boss as an "infectious" man.

The Welshman said in an interview with the Daily Telegraph yesterday: "Yes, I do see similarities.

"They both have an aura about them, and that comes from the success they have had.

"They demand that the players respond and they demand respect. In the short space of time I have worked with Louis, you can see why he has been a success. He is infectious.

"I think that's down to mentality, it's down to fitness and it's down to the decision-making of a manager. You have to have that if you are manager of Manchester United. You have to make decisions and you have to put them into practice.

"He wants everything right from the first minute of training to the last.

BRILLIANT

"Everything we are working from is the blueprint he sent over from the World Cup, every minute of every session is laid down.

"Just everything he does is clear and everyone gets it straightaway. He has a unique way of putting it over and it's brilliant to see.

"It's quite simple but, if you make a mistake, he will tell you and, if you do something good, he will tell you. He makes no bones about who you are.

"It is perhaps a little bit different to what the players are used to, but it's a different manager with different ideas and a different philosophy."

Following David Moyes' disastrous season in charge, several experienced players, including Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and Rio Ferdinand, have left as van Gaal looks to rejuvenate the squad.

The backline, in particular, needs plenty of work, and Giggs has urged the defenders to step up to the plate.

He said: "This is a great chance for the likes of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans, with Rio and Vida going. It's a chance for them to go to the next level.

"We know they are quality players and they need to show it on a consistent basis.

"You hope they respond in a positive way. I'm sure they can't wait to get onto Old Trafford and produce the form they are all capable of."

The arrival of van Gaal in the Premiership has also reunited two former colleagues.

Only this time, Jose Mourinho will find van Gaal and himself on opposite sides.

The Chelsea boss was assistant to the then-Barcelona coach between 1997 and 2000, before Mourinho took up his first managerial post at Benfica and van Gaal left for his first stint as Holland coach.

And although Mourinho admitted contact between the pair has been limited since their spell at the Nou Camp, he told Sport magazine of his utmost respect for his former mentor.

"We worked together, then we went our separate professional ways," said the 51-year-old Portuguese.

"But there will always be a fantastic relationship between us. I like him a lot and I know he likes me a lot too."

Seventh-placed United finished 18 points behind Mourinho's third-placed Blues last season and van Gaal will be eager at the very least to significantly reduce that gap in his first Premiership campaign.

HONEST

Mourinho watched the Dutchman's first United press conference and drew some insightful conclusions from the words and demeanour of the man he met in the 2010 Champions League final, when his Inter Milan side beat van Gaal's Bayern Munich.

"I think he was very Louis," said Mourinho.

"The Louis I know, by which I mean he was very honest, very pragmatic.

"Sometimes, people say there is a bit of arrogance but no, when you are honest and direct and say what you want and what you think, you are not arrogant - you are just honest."

Mourinho has often used a similar defence for himself when he has been labelled as arrogant by his critics, but he insisted that, despite their similarities, he is not an exact replica of van Gaal.

"Louis is Louis and I am Jose and each one is unique," said Mourinho.

'There are no points to compare us.

"But the training philosophy and methodology... well, I learned from him. I also developed a lot of my own ideas, but I would lie if I didn't say I learned something with Louis, because I did."

Mourinho and van Gaal go head-to-head at Old Trafford on Oct 26 and again at Stamford Bridge on April 18.

- Wire Services.

They both have an aura about them, and that comes from the success they have had.

- Ryan Giggs on Louis van Gaal and Sir Alex Ferguson

Vidal to snub United: report

Manchester United target Arturo Vidal has seemingly ruled out a move to Old Trafford.

The sought-after Juventus and Chile midfielder has been closely linked with a big-money switch to United this summer but, according to reports in Italy, the 27-year-old has indicated his future is not with Louis van Gaal's side.

Speaking on his return to Turin following a post-World Cup holiday, Gazzetta dello Sport reported Vidal (below) as saying: "Can I say that I stay at Juve? I do not know. I will talk with (new Juve coach Massimiliano) Allegri, then we'll see. I'm happy here.

"I have not yet spoken with Allegri and even with my friends, I do not go to Manchester."

If United fail in their bid to sign Vidal, they could turn their attention to Angel di Maria, who, according to the Daily Express, is considering whether to quit Real Madrid for United or Paris Saint-Germain.

Spanish radio station Cadena Cope claimed yesterday that what has become one of the transfer sagas of the summer could be resolved in the next few days.

Argentina winger di Maria is believed to favour a move to PSG over United, but Financial Fair Play restrictions have hampered negotiations.

Real are reportedly willing to let di Maria leave this summer having landed James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos, but they will not let the Argentina international leave on the cheap.

Indeed, reports suggested that Real are holding out for £40 million ($84.3m) for the 26-year-old.

It is thought that PSG and Real may have arrived at a deal that would see di Maria loaned to the club for a year, with the French champions obliged to purchase the player outright at the end of the season.

That may allow PSG more time to get their finances in order and avoid possible sanctions from Uefa.

But United remain in the running, and could emerge as favourites if they can offer better terms than Real.

Ultimately, it seems that the decision is likely to come down to the player, which could put the Red Devils at a disadvantage. - Wire Services.